Now he can actually eat again, broken jaw victim Chris McKenna is bidding to pile on the pounds.

The crocked Aussie has targeted the showdown with Leeds in a fortnight's time for his return six weeks after suffering an horrific injury against the same opposition.

He is in full training in anticipation of the Odsal humdinger but hasn't just got his work cut out on the field.

McKenna had his jaw wired together for three weeks after getting bashed while tackling Leeds' Jamie Jones-Buchanan and that has had a definite effect.

"I've lost nearly a stone in weight," he revealed, after finally getting off the mundane liquid diet of shakes, shakes and more shakes.

"I couldn't have any solids for about three weeks so now I've got to get my fitness and strength back up.

"It's not been the most painful injury I've ever had but definitely the most frustrating.

"Not being able to eat and only being able to have soups and smoothies, then not being able to do basic things like just talk, yawn, sneeze!"

So did he tuck into a big juicy steak as soon as his mouth was released from its iron grip?

"Nah, my teeth still aren't meeting correctly so I'm still not eating properly even now," added the second row.

"I think it was a fillet'o'fish. Something soft!"

Boss Steve McNamara will be glad to see the sight of McKenna back out on the field.

Not only because the majority of the club's second rowers are out of action following a freak run of injuries but also because the former Test star was just starting to hit top gear following his winter switch from Leeds when the jinx struck.

McKenna, 31, ripped the Rhinos to shreds before going off in the win and he admitted: "All I was waiting for was a dry track.

"The dry track came and I was feeling good in those 35 minutes at Headingley.

"It was the best game I'd played for the club in attack and I was starting to get excited. But that soon got quashed!"

McKenna has missed the last five fixtures including today's trip to Harlequins.

But there will be no better tonic than a clash with his old pals to mark his return.

"It'll be good to get back for one," he added.

"Obviously Leeds are the team I got injured against but hopefully I'll be right for the rest of the season when I get back.

"I remember saying about a month ago how I've got to keep myself on the field because we're a bit short on the second rows. And then straight away I break my jaw!"